Kieran Gibbs is set to leave West Bromwich Albion when his contract expires, with ESPN reporting the long-serving left-back has agreed to join MLS newcomers Inter Miami.
The 31-year-old defender is hardly the kind of marquee signing that would spark wild scenes on the picturesque beaches of America’s east coast.
But, if a club owned by David Beckham and managed by Phil Neville want to add an experienced, reliable presence to a squad that finished near the bottom of the table in their debut top-flight season, Gibbs may prove an inspired addition.
Inter Miami have already snapped up Ryan Shawcross and former Celtic winger Lewis Morgan.
And, according to ESPN, the former England international will further strengthen the club’s Brit-based backbone.
Inter Miami are increasingly confident a two-and-a-half year deal will be done, fighting off competition from New England Revolution and DC United for Gibbs’ signature.
And while the move won’t reflect too well on West Brom – they are about to lose a £7 million signing for nothing after all – Gibbs’ departure will free up funds for the Baggies to rebuild once their relegation is finally confirmed.
The report adds that Gibbs is West Brom’s highest earner, taking home £70,000 a week.
And when you consider the one-time Arsenal ace is no longer the club’s first-choice left-back, losing his place to the under-rated Conor Townsend, it makes sense to part ways.
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